What is the deal with bathroom attendants?

[maelstrom]

This just makes me think of Breakfast At Tiffany's. $50 (or is it $100?) for the powder room.

 

[delmar411]

Here in NY we have them at upscale resturants, theaters and clubs.

As a male, I like them. They normally have warm towels, mints, etc for you to use also.

No issue with going to do my business with an attendant there. it is a PUBLIC restroom after all, so not sure what people are talking about.

Do you walk in and leave if someone else is in a stall? do you just freeze and pretend to not be there if someone walks in while in the stall?

I just don't get it.

It's a woman thing.

DH has no issue going anywhere at any time. I've never met a guy who had any toilet issues like women tend to.

 

[graygables]

I grew up in Europe. Paying for restrooms and tipping attendants were commonplace. There was often a little cafe table/chair where the attendant sat with a little dish for her tips. I agree with the PPs that public restrooms are just that, so no biggie. It WAS a shocker to come back to the States to find FREE toilets I was mortified, however, that the stalls had gaping openings where people could peek in on you (or under...I HATE that..European toilets are little rooms with locks that show if they are occupied).

Now, if you want to talk about some "fun" potties, let's talk Turkey and the footpads with the hole in the floor...

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Here in NY we have them at upscale resturants, theaters and clubs.

As a male, I like them. They normally have warm towels, mints, etc for you to use also.

No issue with going to do my business with an attendant there. it is a PUBLIC restroom after all, so not sure what people are talking about.

Do you walk in and leave if someone else is in a stall? do you just freeze and pretend to not be there if someone walks in while in the stall?

I just don't get it.

I think people were talking about making some rolling thunder if you know what I mean. I don't mind them either. I'm from NY too and they are in most places. I am just used to them I guess.

 

[hentob]

Believe it or not, the Wisconsin State fairgrounds have them in every single bathroom. There is always a long line, and the attendant yells to you which stall to go into as they empty. Like you can't see that for yourself! It is absolutely ridiculous. The attendant usually puts a comb and a can of hairspray next to the sink too! I can't imagine anyone actually using them, but that's just me. She always has a tip jar near the door too, stuffed with $1 and $5 billls that she no doubt has placed there herself since I can't imagine anyone tipping her $5.00!

Kutztown Fair too And they are so bossy, telling you where to go. Almost like a police officer

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Kutztown Fair too And they are so bossy, telling you where to go. Almost like a police officer

They sound like they are the Potty Masters- Keeper of the Poop! Let no square be unaccounted for!

 

[Angelrose]

I don't mind the bathroom attendants. What I do mind is their handing me paper towels after I wash my hands. I want to use paper towels fresh from the dispenser thank you. After cleaning toilets all day, your hands can't be too clean.

 

[caribear]

They have attendants at the Florida State Fair in some of the restrooms. I have to say though that the potties are very clean! She stands at the entrance and says things like," Ladies, remember if you sprinkle please be neat and wipe the seat." .....and "Please tip if you enjoy your clean restrooms." and so on......

 

[cheerful chickadee]

Here in NY we have them many many places, bars, clubs, lounges, theaters, etc. It used to be only upscale joints but I've been to a few basement bar type places where they have one too. I guess I don't mind them, I don't use any of their "stuff" anyways, there's always a huge assortment of gum, mints, perfume, hair products, candies, deodorant, etc but no thanks I'll wash my hands, say thank you when they hand me paper towel (which is usually only one small piece around here which means you have to go get your own anyways) and be on my way. Sometimes I feel bad for not tipping though Hey I never carry cash and who knows when there will be an attendant!

 

[S. C.]

I don't mind the bathroom attendants. What I do mind is their handing me paper towels after I wash my hands. I want to use paper towels fresh from the dispenser thank you. After cleaning toilets all day, your hands can't be too clean.

My thoughts exactly, I had no idea if her hands were clean when she was handing me paper towel. And the bathroom in Jamaica at the falls was more of an outhouse with 2 stalls and running water. Thats why i was so shocked that they had a bathroom attendant. This was back in 1998 so it may be better now.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Where's the slot the money goes in? Is it outside the toilet, so you have to pull your pants back up to put money in?

I honestly couldn't tell you. I don't think I've ever spent longer than 10 minutes in a public washroom in my life.

It's a woman thing.

DH has no issue going anywhere at any time. I've never met a guy who had any toilet issues like women tend to.

Well, I'm a woman and I have never had any "toilet issues", so there you go.

The only difference between the guys on the street corner, from the ones I've encountered, and the attendants is that the attendants have permission to be there from the fairgrounds operators.

I don't mind the bathroom attendants. What I do mind is their handing me paper towels after I wash my hands. I want to use paper towels fresh from the dispenser thank you. After cleaning toilets all day, your hands can't be too clean.

I think many of you have a very different understanding of a bathroom attendant than I do. The bathroom attendants that I encounter are usually in the washrooms of fine dining establishment or at the theatre. They certainly don't look like they have just come in off the street! They have on suits and are very professional. I have yet to see a tip jar (although it is customary to tip). They certainly don't clean the toilets! They are there to provide you with hot towels, really tasty mints, and anything else you might need. I'm sure they wipe up the sinks and that kind of thing but they aren't the janitor. It sounds to me like you guys are talking about janitors not bathroom attendants.